What Makes It Awesome ✨
If you’ve been itching for a weekend drive that mixes a bit of history with hill-station feels, Manjarabad Fort in Sakleshpur is that underrated gem you’ve been overlooking. Barely a 4-hour drive (around 230 km) from Bengaluru, this 18th-century fort built by Tipu Sultan sits high on a hill, surrounded by mist, clouds, and lush green coffee country.
Built in 1792, Manjarabad Fort stands out for its rare star-shaped design, inspired by French military architecture. From above (or if you’ve got a drone handy), it looks like an eight-pointed star — a pattern meant to eliminate blind spots during battles. Even from the ground, walking along its arrow-shaped bastions feels like stepping through centuries of history.
Legend has it that secret underground tunnels once connected the fort to Mysuru and Srirangapatna, though they’re sealed off now. Still, it’s easy to imagine Tipu’s soldiers moving through them under the cover of mist — the same mist that gave the fort its name. (“Manjara” means fog in Kannada, after all!)
The Vibe 🌿
Perched over 3,000 feet above sea level, Manjarabad Fort offers sweeping views of the Western Ghats — and on a clear day, locals say you can even spot the shimmer of the Arabian Sea in the distance. Visit early in the morning or right after a drizzle, and the entire fort disappears into clouds — the kind of sight that makes you pause, breathe, and forget your pending Monday meetings.
It’s also a favourite among photographers and drone enthusiasts (though the guards might occasionally play spoiler). If you’re heading there, bring your camera, a flask of filter coffee, and maybe a friend who’s up for a misty photo walk.
How To Reach 🚗
Manjarabad Fort is located near Donigal village, Sakleshpur, roughly 230 km from Bengaluru.
🚙 By Car: A smooth 4-hour drive via NH75. The scenic route is reason enough to go.
🚆 By Train: Regular trains run between Bengaluru and Sakleshpur.
🚌 By Bus: KSRTC and private buses also connect the two towns daily.
Once in Sakleshpur, it’s just a short ride uphill to the fort’s entrance.
When To Visit ☁️
The fort is open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM, but the monsoon months (June–September) are when it’s truly magical. That’s when the entire fort hides behind a curtain of fog — exactly why Tipu Sultan named it Manjarabad.
Stay & Eat 🍲
You won’t find eateries right next to the fort, so it’s best to grab a meal in Sakleshpur town. A few nice stay options nearby include:
Doddamane Mandara Homestay – rustic and homely vibes
Cliff Hanger Homestay – for the mountain lovers
ViGo Homes – good for families and road trippers
Pack some snacks if you plan a picnic at the fort — and please, carry your trash back. The place deserves better than plastic bottles and chip wrappers.
Being Bengaluru Take 💚
There’s something timeless about Manjarabad — a place where the mist rolls in like poetry and history lingers in the stones. It’s not a fancy tourist spot with signboards and snack stalls — and that’s exactly what makes it worth the drive. Just you, the hills, and a slice of Karnataka’s royal past.